Week 1 2012

Four teams beat Division IA teams, and a few more got close.

UT Martin beat Memphis 20-17.  I don't think this is going to mean much in the long run, but good for UT-Martin.  Did not see it coming.

McNeese State beat Middle Tennessee State.  This could mean something.  McNeese St. has been just on the outside the last couple of years, but this year they may be ready to reappear in the playoffs.

Eastern Washington's win over Idaho (20-3) was thorough and convincing.  Eastern Washington is going to probably make the playoffs and could win the Big Sky.  They have rediscovered their run game and it ran all over Idaho.

Youngstown State beat Pittsburgh 31-17 for the biggest upset.  One has to think that this spells good things for Youngstown.  However, I would note on piece of caution.  Pitt stinks.  And the Missouri Valley is loaded.  It is a good sign, but they are overrated in most polls right now.  Sports Nation has them 6th.  They could lose 3 games in conference.

Northern Iowa also moved up despite a loss to Wisconsin.  It was a close game, but Northern Iowa did most of their scoring late.  Their quarterback looked really good, but I don't think Wisconsin was taking them seriously after the early lead.  Northern Iowa could beat Youngstown, but at #8, I think they are also overrated.

William and Mary was close against Maryland losing 6-7.  W&M put up 6 in the first quarter, and then was shut down.  Maryland's scoring drive looked to be against a tired defense that had no strength left in their arms to bring men down.  Don't expect too much out of W&M despite the good showing.  Maryland is no good.

I did get to watch a lot of the NDSU game.  They should be ranked #1.  Brock Jensen was excellent.   The running game is there.  And the young defense showed it was very tough and that NDSU is going to be a serious threat to repeat.

One other interesting note.  Georgia Southern beat a lower division school 58-0.  They put up 555 yards of offense . . . all on the ground.  They did not complete a single pass.  The starter was 0-5, and the rest threw 3 more passes into the ground.  Swope had his 100 yard game, but sat a lot o this game.  I think there is reason for concern.  You have to be able to complete a pass.  They are not going to put up 555 yards on the ground against App St or Wofford.